What we’re about
Meet other local hiking enthusiasts as a group of friends exploring, learning, and having fun on the trail and occasionally other ways. Besides hiking we sometimes do: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, etc.
We range all over CT, central to western MA, and sometimes southern NY. Occasionally we make trips further out typically to central and northern NY, VT, NH, and ME.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Trails Day Hike: Nepaug Ramble in New HartfordNepaug State Forest, New Hartford, CT
This is a cross posting of my Trails Day Hike on June 7. Rain Date is June 8. Please register here: https://trailsday.org/events/nepaug-ramble/
Join us for a moderate 5.5 mile loop through the woods and rocks on Blue Blazed Tunxis Trail to Tipping Rock and on out to the Rome Spare Outlook with views of the Nepaug River Valley. The trail is a combination of wooded and rocky trail with unpaved woods road. While there are a few spots that are steep, the overall elevation gain is only 400 ft.
I have a blue KIa Niro and will park in the lot with my hatch open. We’ll try to start at 9:30am promptly so plan on being there ten minutes beforehand. No restrooms are available here, there is a Dunkin Donuts and there are several gas stations east of the river in Canton on 202/44 and there may be a port-o-potty at Brown’s Corners Recreation Area, about 4/10 mile west on 202.
Plan on 3-4 hours depending on pace of group. This is NOT a beginner’s hike; it’s too long and there aren’t good places to bail out.I don’t run in the woods, but tend to average 30-40 minutes/mile. I do take breaks and we will stop for photos and snacks.
You will need to bring at least a liter of water, snacks, insect repellent and a pack to carry them. If it’s sunny, bring sunscreen and additional water although it’s pretty well forested. There is a rain date on June 8 but if that’s also rainy bring rain gear or ponchos, towels and dry clothes; we’ll go anyway. Lightning or hurricane cancels. Hiking boots are a must for this hike. Jeans will chafe and ruin your day. Kids (10 and up) are welcome, as are dogs which must be on a leash at all times. - Hike up Mt. Washington NHPinkham Notch, Gorham, NH
Each summer I offer a hike in New Hampshire. I have completed many of the hiking lists there but there are many great reasons to return to the area.
This years event is planned to climb up Washington will be from the east side starting at Pinkham Notch. This includes climbing up Tuckerman's Ravine and descending Lion's Head.
This event gives hikers the opportunity to train to climb New England's tallest peak. Mt. Washington boasts great views and the worst weather on Earth. Over the coming months, there will be hikes designed as training events for the climb. Trust that you will have a much better day if you prepare for this hike.
I am hosting a ZOOM meeting for this trip. It is full of information regarding hiking in New Hampshire.
ZOOM call link
https://youtu.be/EZasRyHXW4AI strongly suggest you watch my informational meeting (if you did not attend live) It gives more details regarding this event. I will go into depth regarding the logistics of location, travel, the hike, lodgings, and gear.
Below will be the You Tube link to the meeting from February 26, 2025.The Mt. Washington Weather Observatory runs a fund raiser each year called Seek the Peak. I schedule this assent for Seek the Peak weekend because there are a lot of people and support staff on the mountain. Perfect situation for first time climbers. You do not have to participate in the fundraiser to hike the mountain.
I purchase a great Mt. Washington map from cartographer from Lincoln NH. I get them to sell to you so you have a head start with great information. It is only available up in New Hampshire. If you want to get a map we can connect moving forward.
We are going to base the event around Gorham New Hampshire. There are options for lodgings. I suggest typing in Gorham NH into Google maps and clicking on lodging. You will need to come up Friday and stay over since it is a 5 hour drive. After the hike we will gather for food. More details to come.
You will need to seriously self assess your experience and fitness level on this event. You need equipment for all seasons. It can go from sunny and warm in the valley to sleet and rain on the way up. You need rain gear, fleece, dry socks, water/food, headlamp, emergency gear, waterproof hiking boots. Ask yourself this, can I carry a heavy pack uphill for at least 6 plus hours? If you cannot reach the top by 1:00 p.m. you have to turn around. You need the utmost respect for this event. People have died up there. No doom and gloom, just the honest truth. .
Mt. Washington Weather Forecast:
Current summit conditions, Mt. Washington Observatory:
http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/conditions.phpTrail Map:
http://4000footers.com/washington.shtmlSeek The Peak (the fundraiser event):
http://www.seekthepeak.org/Mt. Washington Observatory (weather station and information):
http://www.mountwashington.org/---Legal Stuff ---
By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows:In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Hartford Area Hiking meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Hartford Area Hiking permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose.
